What does the long shaft design mean for my guitar?

The long shaft housing accommodates deeper pickup cavities and thicker mounting rings typical of custom builds and aftermarket installations. If your guitar has a non-standard routing or you're installing this in a retrofitted instrument, the long shaft ensures proper fitment and secure mounting.

How does the 70 mV output compare to other active humbuckers?

At moderate output, the 60A sits below the higher-output EMG 81 and similar to the Seymour Duncan JB, allowing your amp to break up naturally while maintaining definition and dynamic response. This makes it versatile across rock, metal, and progressive styles without sacrificing clarity in high-gain settings.

Does this pickup require a battery?

Yes, the 60A's active preamp requires a standard 9V battery connection routed through your guitar's electronics cavity. The active circuit provides consistent signal integrity and low noise across all gain settings, but battery life will depend on your playing frequency.

Can I split the coils for versatility?

Yes, the pickup features standard four-conductor wiring that supports coil-splitting, allowing you to access single-coil tones if your guitar's electronics are wired for that function.

What genres is this pickup best suited for?

The 60A excels in rock, metal, hard rock, and progressive music where articulate response and low noise are priorities. Its warm, vintage-inflected character makes it less ideal for traditional jazz and blues styles that typically favor passive humbuckers.

Do I pay sales tax on this order?

Sales tax is collected only on orders shipped to California; orders shipped to any other US state are not charged sales tax at checkout when you buy direct from our website. Marketplaces collect sales tax as the facilitator in most states, so the same listed price can cost more there. Buyers remain responsible for any use tax their state applies. Free US shipping and 30-day returns are included.

EMG 60A Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Black Chrome

The EMG 60A is a go-to active humbucker for players who need clarity and punch without drowning in output noise. The long shaft housing fits deeper cavities and aftermarket ring sets, making it a reliable retrofit for custom builds and non-standard routes. Black chrome finish resists corrosion and stands out visually on stage or in the studio.

Tone & Output Character

Active circuitry locks in consistent signal and kills noise across all gain settings. The Alnico V magnet gives you a warmer, more vintage-leaning voice than ceramic designs. At around 70 mV output, you get natural amp response and playing dynamics without losing definition when you push into high-gain territory—essential for live gigs where your tone needs to cut through and respond to touch.

Design & Specifications

Long shaft design handles deeper mounting depths and thicker hardware common in custom installations and retrofit projects. Dual-coil humbucker architecture cancels 60-cycle hum, keeping your signal clean in noisy venues. The active preamp runs on a standard 9V battery wired through your electronics cavity.

Key Features

Active humbucker design with integrated preamp
Alnico V magnet structure for warm, articulate response
Long shaft housing for deep-cavity and custom installations
Approximately 70 mV output
Dual-coil hum-canceling configuration
Black chrome finish
Requires 9V battery power
Low-impedance active circuit for noise rejection
Standard four-conductor wiring for coil-splitting compatibility

EMG's active reliability means this pickup handles the road and the stage. Works across rock, metal, and alternative styles—a solid upgrade for players who demand definition, responsive dynamics, and no-nonsense performance night after night.

Best suited for	Rock, Metal, Hard Rock, Progressive, Studio Sessions
Tonal character	Warm, articulate, vintage-inflected, low noise, moderate output
Less specialized for	Jazz, Blues, Folk (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily)
Skill level	Intermediate / Advanced / Professional